Funders:
  • Medical Research Future Fund 
    We gratefully acknowledge the support of MRFF, whose funding made this work possible.

Collaborators:
  • Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida 
  • Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
  • NT Health
Aims: 

To better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 infections among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and ESKD patients in the Northern Territory (NT), through exploring four interconnected aims;
Aim 1: To evaluate COVID-19 sequelae among a population of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the NT, including the incidence of new chronic diseases and excess deaths. 
Aim 2: To evaluate COVID-19 sequelae among a smaller cohort of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the NT, including individual health outcomes. 
Aim 3: To evaluate COVID-19 sequelae immunological responses and patterns among a smaller cohort of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the NT. 
Aim 4: To explore the impact of COVID-19 sequelae on the wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD. 

Objectives: 

Aim 1: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 sequelae among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the Northern Territory, by determining and comparing rates of new chronic disease diagnoses, medical attendances, and excess deaths pre and post COVID-19. 
Aim 2: To assess the lasting impact of COVID-19 on health outcomes of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the Northern Territory.
Aim 3: To describe and compare inflammatory mediators, T cells, B cells, among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and patients living with ESKD assigned to different PASC health status groups (1-4), to better define and understand protective and durable immunity versus detrimental immuno-pathology following COVID-19 infection.  
Aim 4: To understand the impact of COVID-19 sequelae on the health-related quality of life of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people living with ESKD in the Northern Territory.  

Summary:

Driven by our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) partnerships with Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and NT Health, this pilot project explores the long-term impacts of COVID-19 among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) in the Northern Territory. This study will use a mixed method, co-designed approach to evaluate impact of COVID-19 sequelae: (Aim 1) on a population-level, including new chronic diseases and excess deaths; (Aim 2) on individual health outcomes; (Aim 3) on immunological responses and patterns; and (Aim 4) explore impacts on wellbeing. Our research aims to better understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 infections with a view to guide a culturally safe model of survivorship care for the Northern Territory.  

Implications for policy and practice: 

Improves understanding of the long-term health and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 in the NT. 
Supports planning and delivery of long COVID services and models of care, working closely with our ACCHS partners and NT Health. 
Identifies gaps in current systems, care pathways and supports for people experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19. 
Supports development of culturally safe and locally relevant approaches to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the NT. 
Incorporates clinical outcomes, biological findings and lived experiences to guide future holistic health service improvements.

Chief Investigators:
Project Manager:
  • Caitlin Kent
Contact info: 

Caitlin.kent@menzies.edu.au
longCOVID@menzies.edu.au  

Key Dates:

August 2025 - December 2027
 

This study aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 (sometimes called long COVID) on health and wellbeing across the Northern Territory. The study was developed together with ACCHS and has a particular focus on improving understanding of long COVID for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living with kidney disease. However, participation is open to eligible people living in the NT regardless of ethnicity. People may be invited to take part through participating health services or can express interest directly with the study team if they think they may be experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19.

Participants can choose which parts of the study they would like to take part in — you do not have to do every component. Participation options include:

  • Health outcomes component: complete a short health survey and provide permission for the research team to review relevant medical records to understand health before and after COVID-19 infection. To participate in this component, participants must be aged 18 years or older and have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection in 2022. 
  • Optional blood sample component: provide a blood sample (approximately 40 mL) to help researchers understand how COVID-19 affects the immune system. This component can be completed alongside the health outcomes component. 
  • Yarning circle component: take part in a yarning circle or interview to share your experiences about how long COVID has affected health, wellbeing and everyday life. Participation in the yarning circles is open to people who have lived experience of long COVID, including family members and carers.

By combining health information, biological samples and lived experiences, this exploratory study aims to build a broader understanding of long COVID and help inform future culturally responsive care and support services.

Taking part is completely voluntary and choosing not to participate, or changing your mind later, will not affect your care or services. 

If you would like to find out more about the study or discuss whether you may be eligible to participate, please contact the study team.